Latitude 360 Holds Special Night For Local Service Members

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Local service members and veterans got a special night out Thursday when they were treated to an evening of free food and games.

Latitude 360 hosted the event and says it’s a way to recognize the sacrifices so many have made.

Sgt. Jose Vasquez, an Army Veteran from the 316th expeditionary sustainment command says he’s thankful for the event.

Latitude 360 was founded by a U.S. Naval Academy Graduate. They invited the service members and veterans to attend as a way to kick back and enjoy a night of food and fun on the house for Military Family Night.

Lt. Stephen Bell is preparing to head to the Middle East soon for his first deployment.

He says he’d be lying if he wasn’t nervous, but that the support that comes from back home makes him realize why he’s proud to serve his country.

“I do feel like people, their hearts and their minds are in the right places when they do think of the military and they think of current conflict,” he said.

As Memorial Day approaches, Sgt. Vasquez recognizes that it’s not a holiday for parades, picnic’s and time off from work. It’s a day to remember the sacrifices too many have made.

“I lost a friend in the first deployment so it’s very meaningful to me,” he said.